Flaming Star

Flaming Star, filmed in 1960, offers an atypical cinematic outing for the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, casting him in a dramatic, non-musical role. It’s a rare chance to see Presley flex his acting muscles in a different genre, a distinct contrast to the musical blockbusters he is typically associated with. The film, a nuanced Western, also features the talents of Barbara Eden and Steve Forrest.

From the outset, the film stands apart in the iconic singer's filmography due to its distinct setting in the Wild West during the post-Civil War era. Amidst this dangerous, tumultuous era, Elvis is wonderfully cast as Pacer Burton, a young man caught at the crossroads of two starkly contrasting cultures, aiming to maintain peace between both. Pacer Burton's mother is of Native American Kiowa heritage while his father is a white Texan. Living on the border of Texan settlers and the Kiowa tribe lands, the family's bicultural existence starts teetering towards an unavoidable clash.

Presley, in this compelling role, handily strips away his charismatic stage persona to portray the tormented Pacer, torn between his loyalties to his mother's Kiowa tribe and his father's community of white settlers. Presley masterfully projects the emotional turmoil of a character playing the peacemaker, contending with the harsh realities of personal and racial conflicts. His performance is often cited as one of his most potent, demonstrating a range beyond his legendary musical prowess.

Balancing the stark drama is Barbara Eden, who lightens the mood with her charming presence. Eden plays Pacer's step-sister Roslyn Pierce, offering an innocent and loving perspective of peace. Eden's role highlights her ability to project empathy and kindness, often acting as the emotional anchor of the distraught family. The familial chemistry between Presley and Eden allows for some genuine moments throughout the film.

Steve Forrest co-stars as Pacer's brother, Clint Burton. Forrest's performance is noteworthy for his portrayal of Clint's struggles in negotiating his own identity and loyalties in the escalating conflict. Forrest's camaraderie with Presley makes their onscreen bond as brothers realistic and relatable, effectively adding another layer to the depth of the film's plot.

While Flaming Star may initially draw attention due to the casting of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the movie ambitiously addresses significant themes, often overlooked in this genre, such as racial tension and cultural divide. The narrative dares to explore and question identity, kinship, and loyalty amidst ethnic discord, thus straying away from conventional Western tropes, enhancing its appeal and relevance.

The combination of a powerful story and brilliant performances by Presley, Forrest, and Eden, makes this film a noteworthy entry in Presley's career, demonstrating a departure from his quintessential musical roles. With an intense and stirring linchpin performance by Presley, Flaming Star is rendered a must-watch for both his fans and enthusiasts of dramatic Westerns.

Director Don Siegel, known for his fundamental role in shaping the modern Western, demonstrates his intuitive knack for heightening the emotional intensity of the narrative. Siegel’s direction ensures that the film is not merely a dramatic Western but a deeply affecting exploration of gritty human emotions and cultural conflicts.

Set against the backdrop of the ruggedly beautiful American West, Flaming Star is visually stunning. The film also benefits from its resonant musical score, punctuated by Presley’s title track. However, in an unusual step for an Elvis film, the music is kept to a minimum, reinforcing that this is primarily a dramatic film and not a musical.

On the whole, Flaming Star is a compelling exploration of kinship, identity, racial tension, and cultural conflict. This ambitious 1960 film shows a very different side of Elvis Presley, proving his versatility as an actor, and stands as a distinctive departure from his usual musical blockbusters. It remains an essential watch for any fan of Presley and an intriguing exploration of Western for generic film enthusiasts.